How five 2016 contenders are repositioning the GOP

The White House, seen from the South Lawn in Washington, gives the media a preview of the White House gardens and grounds on Saturday, April 21, 2012, prior to the official opening of the Garden Tours to the public. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

The next presidential election is four years away, but five possible contenders are taking steps now that could reposition the Republican Party.

The next presidential election is four years away, but that doesn’t mean informal campaigning hasn’t begun. Several possible 2016 Republican contenders are taking steps to reposition the Republican Party in ways that could reverberate four years from now.

Here’s a quick look at what five contenders are doing and what it means.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie

Denverpost

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie poses for a photograph in his office at the Statehouse in 2013. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

What it means: Before he can run for president, Christie needs to win re-election in 2013. Criticizing House Republicans for holding up flood aid to his state helps him on that front. For better or worse, it also reaffirms his image as a politician who isn’t afraid to say what he thinks.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal

What it means: Jindal is appealing to younger female voters and trying to reposition the Republican Party on a tough issue. As a pro-life Catholic politician, Jindal can safely make the case for separating the issues of contraception and abortion without looking soft on the latter issue among Republican primary voters.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley

What it means: Haley is trying to broaden the Republican coalition by appointing the first African-American Republican senator since the 1970s. As an Indian-American woman and one of the youngest governors in the country, she is a good spokeswoman for changing the face of the party.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio

What it means: As one of three Hispanic senators, Rubio will play a key role in the upcoming debate over immigration. By arguing for a piecemeal approach instead of a comprehensive bill, he sets himself up as a reformer but also differentiates himself from the forthcoming Democratic proposal.

Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan

What it means: Even before he was a vice presidential candidate, Ryan was one of the most visible House Republicans. His recent silence may be a way to put a little daylight between his failed vice presidential run and his next public fight, perhaps over the debt ceiling or other fiscal issues.